Moving from MA to CA with guns

[Plosk]

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/1...--A000-.html):



To me, this implies that I'll be fine if I keep the pistol in a hard plastic case with a lock on it, and the rifle I was planning on just keeping the trigger lock on. Does anyone expect me to have any problems with that? Since the guns will be in the trunk, I figured I'd keep a loaded mag out of reach in the back seat. I'm going to want to bring the pistol with me for any overnight stays at hotels on the way.

Also, from what I understand I should fill out the handgun ownership report and submit it within 60 days of moving:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/ab991frm.pdf

One thing that concerned me a bit was the fine print:
I also understand that if I currently possess/own firearms and the results of this check reveal that I
am ineligible either to lawfully possess or purchase firearms, I must relinquish any and all firearms in my possession.

I've got a Class A license to conceal in Massachusetts, so I assume I'll be OK, but I don't want to run into a situation where they ask me to relinquish my guns. Does anyone anticipate this happening?

I'll be moving to Escondido in Northern San Diego. I was pleased to find that Escondido, according to Wikipedia, was ranked #11 out of 25 of the most conservative cities in America.


So my questions are:

Does the plan of keeping the guns in the trunk on a cross country drive comply with TITLE 18, PART I, CHAPTER 44 of the US Law? What about if I were to have some ammo in the same vehicle, completely out of reach of the driver and passenger?

Does anyone expect me to have any problems with registering the handgun, and is it possible they'll reject me?

Does anyone have opinions of the Escondido area?

Does anyone have any tips for the cross country excursion?

Thanks in advance.

[lil' gunsim]

Nvm, will let the pros handle this...I'm still learning about the laws myself...

[Saym14]

Escondido is nice.

consider buy a non roster gun that you always wanted before moving here. we have a dreaded roster here.

[Mike's Custom]

So my questions are:

Does the plan of keeping the guns in the trunk on a cross country drive comply with TITLE 18, PART I, CHAPTER 44 of the US Law? What about if I were to have some ammo in the same vehicle, completely out of reach of the driver and passenger?

Reply: Firearms and ammo are OK in the trunk of a vehicle and CA is also OK and do not need to be locked any other way if htey are in the trunk.

Does anyone expect me to have any problems with registering the handgun, and is it possible they'll reject me?

Reply: If you are not restricted by law then you will be OK after you establish residency and get a Handgun safety Certificate to pruchase hand guns.

Does anyone have opinions of the Escondido area?


Does anyone have any tips for the cross country excursion?

Reply: Yes, get a Valentine Radar Detector ( http://www.valentine1.com/ )for your trip. They run about $400 but will save you a ticket and pay for itself.

Thanks in advance.

I know MA is tough on firearms but make sure you do not bring in any restricted firearms or magazines.

[orangeusa]

Mikes - By restricted - I assume you mean ones spelled out specifically in the Dangerous Weapons Control Law, and not off-roster guns.

To OP - sounds like you've done your homework. It would NOT be a bad idea to call them or better yet - snail mail them. I know it sounds crazy, but it can't hurt to get a documented response from CA DOJ about your questions.
And I agree on buying a gun you want that is off-roster... You can always sell it to US Calgunners!!!

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/

[Mike's Custom]

Mikes - By restricted - I assume you mean ones spelled out specifically in the Dangerous Weapons Control Law, and not off-roster guns.

To OP - sounds like you've done your homework. It would NOT be a bad idea to call them or better yet - snail mail them. I know it sounds crazy, but it can't hurt to get a documented response from CA DOJ about your questions.
And I agree on buying a gun you want that is off-roster... You can always sell it to US Calgunners!!!
http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/

Yes, I mean the AWs and such. A receiver swap on a restricted AR could be in order with a button.

[uscbigdawg]

Like others have said:

1 - Buy whatever you want that's not on the list before coming (STI frames and 1911 frames are a good idea, and I'd buy one from you)
2 - Any hicap mags need to go bye bye before coming
3 - Any AR's need to have surgery done to the lowers and swap them to OLL lowers and add the appropriate CA legal modification (bullet button or grip/stock modification)
4 - Go ahead and download the declaration form from DOJ and get started filling them out for your handguns.

I've moved in to CA twice for work and coming home from the military. Feel free to write with any questions as I'm unfortunately well versed on this process (although, all my AR's are registered).

Rich

[JAGACIDA]

Hi and Welcome. I left Wareham MA in '83 with a Stevens .22 rifle. Leaving July 1st for TN. Escondido is getting real busy and can get a bit warm weather wise. Everything is about the same place to place. You can't go wrong with the advice from this forum. Much Sucess!

[Plosk]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. As much as I'd love to get some new guns, I need to keep an eye on my cash and I'm trying not to add any debt during the transition. Also, it looks like there are 1332 guns in the CA roster, and only 635 in MA.

I do have to say that I'm pretty dissappointed in the restrictions that California has on the AR-15. That was definitely my next purchase. Also, it took me a bit of searching before I finally stumbled on a 13 round mag for my 40, which I won't be able to bring with me.

Anyway, I appreciate the responses and the welcome that I've got. I'm not much of a forum guy, but I'll probably be sticking around for a while .

[Josh3239]

Take apart the high cap mags, these are called rebuild kits. Save them for out of state use, sell them to Calgunners or convert them to 10rd mags (the last one definetly isn't a recommendation but it is an option).

[groats]

Have you considered getting a non-resident license (Utah, Pennsy, Fla?)
That, along with careful trip planning, should allow you to actually carry a handgun - in compliance with law in whatever state you might be in at the time.